Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, Dead at 50

The Los Angeles Times confirms that the King of Pop, 50-year-old Michael Jackson, has died after a cardiac episode in Los Angeles. Jackson was reportedly rushed to UCLA Medical Center this afternoon; paramedics reported that Jackson was not breathing when he arrived at the hospital. NBC News and other sources have also confirmed the singer's death.

His death comes just days before the scheduled start of his 50-date tour at London's O2 Arena. Story developing.

Re: Michael Jackson is Dead at 50 yrs. of age

He was obviously a great musician who performed songs that have endured the test of time. Regardless, no matter what the courts decided, I do believe in my heart that he was a pedophile. For that reason, I can't generate a lot of personal sadness at his passing. Still, my heart goes out to his family. He was very young and I'm sure they are all quite shocked and saddened by this turn of events.

Re: Michael Jackson is Dead at 50 yrs. of age

Pop Legend Michael Jackson Dead at 50

Thursday, June 25, 2009
FOX NEWS CONFIRMS...

Music icon Michael Jackson, whose fame spanned from his childhood with the legendary Jackson 5 to a superstar solo career that earned him the nickname 'King of Pop,' died Thursday afternoon at a Los Angeles hospital, a source close to the family told FOX News. He was 50.

Debra Opri, a former Jackson family attorney, confirmed the singers death after other media reported that he had fallen into a coma. He reportedly was taken by ambulance at 12:30 p.m. local time to UCLA Medical Center, where he died at 3:15 p.m.

Multiple reports said he had gone into cardiac arrest, though the official cause of death wasn't immediately known. A news conference is expected later Thursday at the hospital, where fans have gathered to pay tribute to the singer.

Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

Jackson was born in Indiana in 1958. He rose to fame as part of the successful pop group The Jackson 5, formed with his brothers in 1967. The group went on to earn four number one hits in 1970 alone, and the 12-year-old Jackson became the undeniable breakout star of the group.

In 1972, Jackson enjoyed his first solo hit with the song “Ben.” Six years later, he made his film debut in “The Wiz,” in which he renewed his friendship with producer Quincy Jones.

Collaborating with Jones, Jackson went on to become remarkably successful with his solo efforts “Off The Wall” in 1979 and “Thriller” in 1982.

From there, Jackson went on to become the undeniable “King of Pop,” winning eight Grammy awards for “Thriller” alone.

During the 1980s, he became an icon with a distinct style of fashion and performing, as well, wearing one sparkling glove, bejeweled military clothing and short pants with socks.

It was around this time that Jackson began experimenting with excessive cosmetic surgery, including lightening of his skin.

In 1992, Jackson founded the "Heal the World Foundation," a charity that brought underprivileged children to his Neverland Ranch, where Jackson would spend time with them and allow them to stay the night.

This practice raised many eyebrows, especially when Jackson was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy who had become a regular Neverland guest. Jackson maintained his innocence. In 1994, he settled the case out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Jackson briefly was married to Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis. The union drew intense public scrutiny, there was speculation as to whether the marriage was simply an attempt to improve Jackson’s image, though he maintained that they lived genuinely as husband and wife; however, the marriage broke up after less than two years.

From there, his career never quite recovered, but he remained in the news, making headline after headline for strange and unusual behavior, including dangling his child over a balcony in Germany in 2002.

In 2004, police raided the Neverland Ranch, issuing an arrest warrant for charges of child molestation based on allegations of a boy who had appeared in Martin Bashir's infamous documentary about Jackson.

A trial took place in 2005, and Jackson was acquitted of all charges. After his acquittal, he relocated to the Gulf Island of Bahrain, where he has reportedly been spending his time writing new music.

In 2004, a man filed a lawsuit against him, alleging he had been molested 20 years earlier, explaining that he had repressed the memory until 2003. However, a judge eventually dismissed the lawsuit.

This summer, Jackson had been scheduled to kick off a European tour of 50 concert dates, but he had not booked any dates. There were multiple reports that he was too sick to perform, but Jackson never confirmed the rumors.

Re: Michael Jackson is Dead at 50 yrs. of age

Re: Michael Jackson is Dead at 50 yrs. of age

Amidst the chaos, trials, accusations, strangeness, and weirdness of Michael Jackson, he was the King of Pop. His music, writing, singing, dancing talents are unsurpassed. His music will always remain a part of my history.

I am saddened for the life he ended up living; I believe he was one of the most unhappiest, scrutinized, and unbalanced people in the world. He never had an ordinary childhood, upbringing, or adult life. And for anyone, that is tragic. I do not excuse him for anything he may have done that was illegal or reprehensible.

I am thankful that Michael did contribute some of his earnings to a variety of charities which did help children around the world. There are many celebrity millionaires who give nothing to others.

I am sad for his children who are now without a father, didn't know much of their mother, have to endure the endless paparrazzi that will follow them, and the huge debt that remains with Jackson's estate. May they be able to be in the custody of parents who will truly show them what "normal" is and that they are able to free themselves from the strange and unbalanced family they have grown up in. May they find themselves, peace, joy, and harmony in the years to come.

Re: Michael Jackson is Dead at 50 yrs. of age

Re: Michael Jackson is Dead at 50 yrs. of age

I am devastated! I may not have agreed with or condoned many things he did in his life, but he was truely a genius when it came to not just music, but entertainment. He was my first American Idol, he made me want to be a singer. He will live on forever in my heart as the King of Pop. Now he is with the King of Rock and Roll

Re: Michael Jackson is Dead at 50 yrs. of age

As a young girl I was a huge fan. Later on when his weirdness came out it was hard for me to separate the great entertainer from the allegations against him because he was such a great talent. I can only wish him to be at peace now.

I do wonder what custodial provisions he made for his children in his will. I hope that they will grow up in a loving and secure home, something I'm sure he would wish for them given that he didn't have that growing up. Perhaps the mothers of the children will try to fight for custody.